TBH, I find keeping up with all the options for pool automation difficult and being completely cognizant of last minute exceptions (gotchas) hard to do.
I would like to upgrade my Hayward 2100 automation system this summer. Those not familiar with this old gen 1 system, it was complicated for it's day and provided:
The automation system is showing it's age - Hayward dropped support over 10 years ago, and parts are unobtainium. I've accumulated a fair number of spares from sources flea-bay because the system becomes unusable without working temp sensors and other things that eventually wear out. Prices can be all over the board when you can find spares.
The system no longer remembers it's programming if the power goes out, so I have to reset everything through the rf panel whenever that happens. I see no obvious battery to replace on the main board so some capacitor has probably given up and no longer does it's job, but I don't know where it is to replace it.
If others who are more current on automation than I might suggest:
Thanks for any input. $$/costs appreciated if you can share.
Also one further comment, with the larger size of my pool, TX location, and Aqualink T-15 chlorinater, I essentially have to run the VS pump constantly in the summer to produce enough sanitizer to keep the pool right. Pretty simple program - run the pump at a low speed all the time.
I would like to upgrade my Hayward 2100 automation system this summer. Those not familiar with this old gen 1 system, it was complicated for it's day and provided:
- control and scheduling for the pool pump &, feature pump
- blower control
- cleaner pump control and scheduling
- lights/dimming (incandescent) scheduling
- heater/temps timers, etc.
- pool and spa timers
- although it was an option, I don't have any chemistry (chlorine, PH) info from the controller.
The automation system is showing it's age - Hayward dropped support over 10 years ago, and parts are unobtainium. I've accumulated a fair number of spares from sources flea-bay because the system becomes unusable without working temp sensors and other things that eventually wear out. Prices can be all over the board when you can find spares.
The system no longer remembers it's programming if the power goes out, so I have to reset everything through the rf panel whenever that happens. I see no obvious battery to replace on the main board so some capacitor has probably given up and no longer does it's job, but I don't know where it is to replace it.
If others who are more current on automation than I might suggest:
- What the economical replacement for this controller might be.
- It would be great to have smartphone control just to have one less piece to break, but a dedicated panel isn't a deal breaker.
- Something that might be around and have parts for a while would be a plus, with a long support life by the manufacturer.
- And the ability to control my nearly new Hayward VS pumps, the heater, Aqualink would be great, and the full list of other features (blower, lights)
- I have a robot cleaner and I doubt I will every go back to a aux pump style cleaner - my aux pump sits unused now
- Maybe something that didn't break the bank (not sure how many years we will stay in this house) is a big plus.
Thanks for any input. $$/costs appreciated if you can share.
Also one further comment, with the larger size of my pool, TX location, and Aqualink T-15 chlorinater, I essentially have to run the VS pump constantly in the summer to produce enough sanitizer to keep the pool right. Pretty simple program - run the pump at a low speed all the time.
